The Mechanics Of Memory by Audrey Lee (book review).
‘The Mechanics of Memory’ by Audrey Lee is a technological thriller rather than a science fiction novel. It’s set more or less in the present day, maybe next year, with advanced virtual reality technology that might be coming soon or already here for all I know. Despite the absence of aliens, spaceships, or robots, the plot relies heavily on science, making it a blend of science fiction, thriller, and mystery. Really, it’s a love story.
Like any excellent novel, it starts with the heroine in her everyday life. Hope Nakano has put her previous failed marriage with a manipulative man behind her. She is settling down happily with Luke Salinger, the Memory Mechanic, as he’s known in the hi-tech circles where he moves. Luke is a bigshot in Copeland-Stark, a huge, ruthless pharmaceutical company that works in virtual cognitive therapy. However, this is irrelevant at the outset, as Luke and Hope are deeply in love and living their dreams. She even gets along famously with Charlotte, his previous marriage’s daughter. Everything is rosy.
Cut to one year later, Hope is in the Wilder Sanctuary, a very exclusive retreat for psychiatric patients or addicts. Most of the inmates are rich celebrities or their partners, as treatment costs ridiculous sums of money. The novel does give you some insight into the lifestyles of billionaires, but not in any way to make you jealous. The Wilder Sanctuary, based in California, is a division of Copeland-Stark, and a few inmates have connections to the firm. Similar to Hope, these inmates have experienced a traumatic event and are currently undergoing various forms of therapy to aid in their recovery. They engage in traditional activities such as lounging on the couch and conversing, but they also have access to sophisticated suites that immerse them in virtual reality environments.
Luke has not made any attempt to contact Hope, despite Hope’s longing for his presence. In fact, he has made many desperate attempts to do so but is told that she wants no contact with him. Romeo and Juliet! A pair of star-crossed lovers are kept apart. It’s more complicated than that, but this scenario tells you something dastardly is happening. Hope copes in the Wilder Sanctuary with a few friends she trusts. The most amusing is Quinn, a gay man and a natural rebel, who helps her to find out what’s going on and maybe even escape. Another ally is Spooky Spencer, brilliant computer whiz, talented artist, and comic nerd. He informs her that Arkham Asylum for the criminally insane first appeared in October 1974 in Batman # 258. Useful to know.
The story’s first half reminds the reader inevitably of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. A bunch of strange characters in a strict institution kick against the traces, try to look behind the scenes, and maybe win back some control over their lives. The point of view is mostly Hope’s, but it switches to Luke now and then, where the story needs it. There are several surprising revelations as Hope learns more about the institution and how she ended up there.
Above all, engaging and sympathetic characters will draw the reader deep into the tale. Although it has an excellent plot, ‘The Mechanics of Memory’ is a novel of character first and foremost, as shown by the long denouement. Shortly after the climax, the plotty novel concludes, and the heroes embark on fresh adventures. However, these are genuine individuals, and the events hold a profound emotional influence. In many ways, you are your memories, and having them tampered with cuts to the core of your being.
Frankly, if someone had described this novel to me in a sales pitch, I probably wouldn’t have bothered with it. I’m glad I did. After a slow opening, which was necessary to introduce the people in depth, the story really develops into a cracking yarn, with the climax being downright gripping. It’s also a timely warning about giant tech companies, virtual reality, big pharma, big business, and the priorities they have that might not suit the rest of us. Beware! Read the book.
Eamonn Murphy
August 2024
(pub: CamCat Books, 2024. 387 page hardback. Price: £25.95 (UK), $28.99 (US). ISBN-13: 978-0-74431-039-9. Ebook: File size: 1376 KB. Price: £ 6.99 (UK), $ 7.49 (US))
check out website: https://camcatbooks.com/
